89th SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONFERENCE

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Social Policy Lawrence Gonzi will leave Malta this afternoon to join the Maltese delegation currently attending the 89^th Session of the International Labour Conference being held in Geneva.

Besides the presentation of the Annual Report by the Director General of the ILO, the Conference will also consider a global report on the follow-up to the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights of Work.

This year this global report will focus on the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour. Items to be discussed also include a discussion on health and safety in agriculture and a general discussion on the issues, challenges and prospects of social security.

Of particular relevance is a discussion which shall take place on the setting up of universally applicable standards which could enable co-operatives to develop more fully their self-help potential and enhance their ability to address a number of current socio-economic problems, including unemployment and social exclusion, and to compete in the global marketplace.

This discussion coincides with the discussion currently taking place in Parliament on the new legislative framework for the setting up and promotion of co-operatives.

The tri-partite Maltese delegation comprises the Director of Industrial and Employment Relations as well as representatives of the General Workers Union, Union Haddiema Maghqudin, CMTU, the Malta Employers' Association and the Federation of Industries.

Minister Gonzi is expected to participate in a meeting of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs of the EU Associated Countries. Furthermore, the Deputy Prime Minister will be presenting Malta's ratification of ILO Convention No. 182 and Recommendation No. 190 Concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour. Minister Gonzi is expected to address the Plenary Session on Thursday.

The Social Policy Minister is being accompanied by Mr. Remigio Bartolo, his Private Secretary. He will be returning to Malta on Saturday.